Sickle cell, rare blood, and diverse donors
Quick answerPeople with sickle cell disease often need regular transfusions, and closely matched blood from donors of similar ancestry can reduce complications. A diverse donor base increases the chance of a close match for every patient who needs one.
Understand why it matters
How blood donors help people with sickle cell disease
People with sickle cell disease often need regular blood transfusions, sometimes for life. Closely matched blood from donors of similar ancestry can reduce complications, which is why a diverse donor base matters.
Why Black blood donors are especially needed
Sickle cell disease is most common among people of African ancestry in the United States. Blood from donors of similar ancestry is more likely to closely match these patients, so Black donors play an important role.
What closely matched blood means
Closely matched blood goes beyond the basic A, B, O, and Rh types to match additional red cell markers. For people who receive many transfusions, a closer match lowers the risk of complications.
Red cell antigens, explained simply
Red cell antigens are markers on the surface of red blood cells. Matching them carefully matters most for patients who receive frequent transfusions, including many people with sickle cell disease.
What an Hb S negative donation is
Some donated red cells are tested to confirm they do not carry the sickle hemoglobin trait. These hemoglobin S negative units are preferred for some sickle cell patients. You do not need to know your status to donate.
Donating with sickle cell trait
Most people with sickle cell trait can donate whole blood. Sickle cell trait is different from sickle cell disease. The center confirms what you can donate during screening.
Community voices on sickle cell and donation
Stories from patients, families, and donors help explain why diverse donation matters. We share stories only with explicit consent and in the words of the people who lived them.
Community blood drive toolkits
Everything you need to host a drive, with copy you can use right away.
Blood matching is complex. Similar ancestry can increase the chance of compatibility for some patients, but compatibility is determined by blood testing.
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative
- AABB: diversity in the donor pool
- American Red Cross: eligibility requirements
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